Alpha Phi Foundation: An Evolution of Philanthropy

Philanthropy has deep roots in culture and history. As Alpha Phis, living “a life of purpose” with a philanthropic spirit is ingrained in our very nature. From personal heirlooms to lollipop sales and virtual fundraising - philanthropy within Alpha Phi has been shaped by time, passion and the needs of Alpha Phis.

The genesis of philanthropy within Alpha Phi took place at the 1894 Convention, when it was decided that each chapter should find their own charitable outlets. In 1922, Founder Martha Foote Crow (Alpha – Syracuse) famously established the Martha Foote Crow Student Loan Fund by gifting the Fraternity her engagement ring to support the academic pursuits of Alpha Phis.

During the 1946 Convention after the end of World War II, Alpha Phi declared Cardiac Aid our first “peacetime philanthropy.” This declaration would eventually shape the landscape of Alpha Phi collegiate and alumnae philanthropy events. Alpha Phi Foundation was formed 10 years later in 1956. The Foundation not only provided a structure to manage the process of raising funds but was an outward expression of our commitment to advancing the lives of women. By 1986, the Alpha Phi Foundation assumed responsibility for all Alpha Phi fundraising at the international level. The Foundation began to provide funding for educational activities of the Fraternity, such as officer training, Convention programming, leadership seminars, and chapter counseling and assistance.

Today, the Foundation supports leadership training and programming, scholarship, advancement of women’s cardiac care, Forget Me Not Grant Fund and preserving Alpha Phi heritage. In 1993, the first Cardiac Care Award of Excellence, later to be renamed Heart to Heart Grant, was awarded for $10,000. By 2020, the Heart to Heart Grant increased to $100,000 annually. Since its inception, Alpha Phi Foundation has invested over $1.5 million through the grant, funding more than 30 projects focused on women’s cardiac care.

In 2004, the first Alpha Phi Red Dress event was held, providing members, families and friends the opportunity to support our philanthropic aims through a variety of entertainments, such as luncheons, dinners, auctions and galas. Each year, collegians find new ways to support the causes important to their chapters. Though not the only theme utilized by our collegiate chapters, Red Dress events became the catalyst for a new wave of collegiate giving, marked by generosity, creativity and innovation. With the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, collegiate chapter philanthropy momentum did not diminish. Collegiate chapters maintained their steady commitment to philanthropy by shifting to virtual events with great success.

In June of 2022, Alpha Phi Foundation concluded the Leading With Heart campaign and set a new standard of giving. Leading With Heart was a comprehensive campaign with a focus on endowing our Leadership and Heart to Heart funds. With over 16,000 member donors, Leading With Heart’s success was made possible by the many coming together to support one goal.

From lollipop sales to major endowment campaigns, Alpha Phi’s spirit of philanthropy has grown in sophistication while remaining true to our High Ideal of Generosity. Since the early days of Alpha Phi, we set a tradition of philanthropy, a tradition that will ensure our future for generations to come.